Stump sock
Encyclopedia
Stump socks are tubular medical or clothing
accessories with a blind end that are fashioned similar to sock
s, usually without a heel. They are worn on amputation
stump
s for a number of reasons. As stump socks are typically worn on body parts that do not contain a foot, their definition is distinct from the average sock type garment.
Amputation stumps can be sensitive to cold or heat, particularly as their capacity to regulate tissue congestion
is limited. The skin
of amputation stumps can be very sensitive to allergic, chemical or mechanical irritation and thus may have to be protected.
There are different types of stump socks, some of which are available individually made to fit, some as industrially manufactured items:
Clothing
Clothing refers to any covering for the human body that is worn. The wearing of clothing is exclusively a human characteristic and is a feature of nearly all human societies...
accessories with a blind end that are fashioned similar to sock
Sock
A sock is an item of clothing worn on the feet. The foot is among the heaviest producers of sweat in the body, as it is able to produce over of perspiration per day. Socks help to absorb this sweat and draw it to areas where air can evaporate the perspiration. In cold environments, socks decrease...
s, usually without a heel. They are worn on amputation
Amputation
Amputation is the removal of a body extremity by trauma, prolonged constriction, or surgery. As a surgical measure, it is used to control pain or a disease process in the affected limb, such as malignancy or gangrene. In some cases, it is carried out on individuals as a preventative surgery for...
stump
Stump
In its most general sense, stump is an English word. It may refer to:*Tree stump, the rooted remains of a felled tree*Stump, the remains of a limb after amputation...
s for a number of reasons. As stump socks are typically worn on body parts that do not contain a foot, their definition is distinct from the average sock type garment.
Amputation stumps can be sensitive to cold or heat, particularly as their capacity to regulate tissue congestion
Edema
Edema or oedema ; both words from the Greek , oídēma "swelling"), formerly known as dropsy or hydropsy, is an abnormal accumulation of fluid beneath the skin or in one or more cavities of the body that produces swelling...
is limited. The skin
Skin
-Dermis:The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. It also harbors many Mechanoreceptors that provide the sense of touch and heat...
of amputation stumps can be very sensitive to allergic, chemical or mechanical irritation and thus may have to be protected.
There are different types of stump socks, some of which are available individually made to fit, some as industrially manufactured items:
- socks with metal fabric that are worn to reduce phantom sensation or pain
- compression socks that are worn to reduce tissue congestion or swelling
- protective socks or liners that are worn to fit the stump inside a prosthesis
- socks that are worn to keep the stump warm
- socks or liners that contain skin care products on their inside that are released into the skin